Only for expert cyclists…
These two passes enclose the magnificent Arzino and Tramontina valleys respectively: fabulous venues for the two most recent Giri d’Italia, whose champions fought it out on the perfect asphalt.
Silent Alps Bike Experience
Two ascents that will have you glued to your pedals, and your eyes on the scenery that only this route can offer. A classic that has to be experienced by cyclists visiting the land of climbers.
This route will take you back to 452 AD, when Attila the Hun invaded Italy, entering over the Cason di Lanza pass! But if you think it‘s only his memory that will scare you...you’re wrong!
Our “tour of wonders" can be described in a few words: arrive at the border on perfectly designed hairpin bends - the history of the Great War - plunge into green Austria - back to Italy over a pass "worthy of the name" and Europe’s most beautiful cycleway!
More than any other route, this one will definitely make you fall in love with the green Carnia region and all the uniqueness of its landscapes and villages; but you‘ll also see why it’s a mistake to describe the ascent of Zoncolan from the Sutrio side as "easy".
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In the minds of many a cyclist, this has always been a forbidden dream! But we guarantee that what precedes the climb on this route is both stunningly beautiful and will prepare your legs for the torture to come.
Per tutti gli amanti delle due ruote…
Undisputed highlights of this splendid route: a wonderful climb that has featured in the Giro d‘Italia several times (Sella Chianzutan) and an incredible section through unspoilt nature, where time seems to stop and you’ll struggle to find traces of humans: the wild Val di Preone, otherwise known as Valley of Bears.
Cycling in a gorge as the mountains seem to crowd in, climbing until you find yourself squeezed between two rocky walls connected only by a dam 135 metres high, from which you can marvel at an emerald green lake flanked by majestic peaks just waiting to be climbed.
Passo Duron from Tausia. It‘s an unusual variation on the route from Ligosullo, far more challenging and with steeper gradients. As you cycle from Tausia, a delightful village on the sunny side of a spectacular valley, you’ll be captivated by this authentic area, but don‘t be deceived by our words! It’s not all valleys and waterfalls, there’s also THE CLIMB.
And you thought cycling on the smoothest of asphalt would be repetitive and boring! But we‘d add that if you like that, head for the Austrian border via a tangle of hairpin bends in an area where, 100 years ago, our ancestors defended our borders: it will make this trip an experience that you’ll carry in your heart forever.
Although it‘s listed as one of our easier routes, for the average cyclist it’s still medium to difficult! As we explore Carnia, we‘ll pass through typical little villages in the Degano valley, nicknamed "valley of the monsters" for the three climbs that are among the most difficult in the world (Stentaria, Zoncolan and Crostis). We’ll pass through the villages that lie at the foot of these legendary ascents, but we’ll still tackle a considerable height gain.
One of the biggest mistakes in the cycling world is to call this face of Zoncolan easy. You‘ll understand why when you try it: after a 9.5 km climb at a gradient of 8-10%, you’ll be faced with 3.5 km of wall that takes you to the summit.
One piece of advice: RESPECT IT.
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